Friday, February 29, 2008

Bio: I am a freelance writer/editor living in Southern California. In addition to 'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day, I've also just had three books from Capstone Press released: African Animals: Giraffes; African Animals: Lions; African Animals: Zebras. I also write for adults and have written everything from articles to professional blogs to greeting cards. I write for both the trade and educational market--fiction and non-fiction.

I'm married and have two beautiful children, ages four and seven, who provide much inspiration for my work.

Featured Book: 'Twas the Day Before Zoo DayThis delightful adaptation of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, shares zoo keeper and animal preparations for the upcoming “Zoo Day.” But things aren’t going according to plan . . . The llamas won’t quit spitting, the giraffes are drooling, and the zebras aren’t happy at all with their stripes. Meanwhile, the zoo keepers are scurrying this way and that, cleaning up doodoos, ringing mealtime bells, and trying to get the animals bathed. Will “Zoo Day” go off without a hitch?

Questions:Q: Your official book launch will be March 1st and 2nd at the Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana, California. Wasn’t that the exact place you first caught the editor’s eye of the publisher who accepted your book? Share about that exciting experience! A: I'm thrilled to be having my book launch at the Santa Ana Zoo! About a year ago, I received word that 'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day was being held for consideration by Sylvan Dell. I'd been corresponding with them (especially with Donna German, the editor/owner at Sylvan Dell) about another manuscript prior to this one, so they'd likely gotten more e-mails from me than anyone in history (kidding). By the time the SCBWI Editor's Day rolled around, Zoo Day was in the final stages of consideration. I knew Lee German, co-owner of Sylvan Dell would be there, so I jumped at the chance to attend. At the conference, I was lucky enough to meet Lee and to hear that they loved the story and that there was a "good chance" they'd be publishing it. I resisted the urge to get down on my hands and knees and beg, and left the conference elated. About a month-and-a-half later and much finger-crossing, pacing, and obsessive e-mail checking, I received the acceptance.

Q: Can you describe the process you went through to write the manuscript for your picture book ‘TWAS THE DAY BEFORE ZOO DAY.A: Writing 'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day was a joy from the beginning. Because I'd submitted to Sylvan Dell before, I had an idea of what they might be looking for. I wanted to write a manuscript specifically tailored for their company, so I knew it had to be fiction but with non-fiction elements. I'd just finished researching giraffes for another picture book and decided to take that concept and create a book about animals at the zoo. First I researched every animal imaginable, writing down any fun facts I could find. Then I started writing stanzas (the book is in rhyme) about each animal. Somehow from that, 'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day was born. "It was the Day Before Zoo Day" worked better as "Twas the Day Before Zoo Day," and voila! an adaption of Twas the Night Before Christmas became logical...and fun.

It just seemed natural to take animals in their zoo habitat and make them fun and sometimes naughty. After all, I've been to enough zoos to wonder just WHAT those animals are thinking while being stared at every day! I wrote the manuscript rather quickly, then spent some time revising, editing, cutting out stanzas and adding new ones. Then I sent it off and held my breath. I wasn't sure Sylvan Dell would want a spoof on "Twas the Night Before Christmas," so I actually sent two versions of the story.

Q: What have been some of the highlights of the journey as your book went from manuscript to published book?A: Seeing the illustrations, from initial sketches to final product was AMAZING. I cannot describe how it felt to see Ben Hodson's work and to know that he'd "gotten" what I'd written. His animal expressions, and his unique take on the story made it so much more than I could have imagined. Ben is an amazing artist, and such a nice person as well. I got very lucky.

Q: Share one tip you’d like to give to a children’s author about attending a writer’s conference.A: Attend! Don't be shy. Don't sit in a corner. Don't nearly hyperventilate, like I did, when trying to approach an attending agent or editor. YOU matter. Your work matters. When you have the opportunity to create an impression on someone, even if it's just for a moment, seize it!

If you’re in the area, be sure to plan for “Zoo Day” and take your family to the Santa Ana Zoo on Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2. Catherine will be there both days from 10:00 to 2:00 to sign copies of her wonderful new book, ‘Twas the Day Before Zoo Day as they celebrate the birthday of the zoo!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:Starting tomorrow, this blog will officially move to nancyisanders.wordpress.com. If you want to post a comment to today's blog, please visit the new site and post it there. Otherwise, it might get lost in the shuffle. Thanks!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Welcome to the Book in A Month Club! Throughout the month of March, I’ll be posting the step-by-step approach I take to writing a picture book from start to finish. I’ll also include picture book author interviews and editor interviews for houses who publish picture books. If you’ve ever wanted to write a picture book and get it published—this is the place to find out some insider’s tips.

The first thing I do BEFORE I write the manuscript is target a publisher. Why is this the first step I take? Well, for one thing, during this month I won’t be posting the right or the wrong way to do something. You’ll find plenty of that type of advice at writer’s conferences or in workshops. What I am sharing is what works for me. I’ve written over a hundred book manuscripts from start to finish that have all been rejected. Repeatedly. But when I target a publisher BEFORE I write the manuscript, I land the contract. I’ve had over 75 books published this way. So this is what works for me.

Here are tips for finding an editor/publisher who states exactly what type of manuscript he or she looking for:

1. Many times I read interviews of editors in the Children’s Writer: Newsletter of Writing and Publishing Trends. It’s the best resource I’ve found for editor interviews. About a year ago, I made it my goal to contact at least one editor from an interview in each issue—but I had to quit doing that because I landed so many book contracts I couldn’t add more to my calendar! This has been by far my most successful method of targeting a publisher. I also try to post editor interviews on my blog each month. Read their interviews and see exactly what they’re looking for right now.

2. Another way to find an editor is to attend a writer’s conference. Over a year ago, I attended a local SCBWI event and heard the publisher speak from Sylvan Dell. He told us exactly the kind of picture books he likes to publish: fiction stories with a nonfiction science slant that cover topics geared to state and national standards taught in elementary schools.

3. Another way to find a publisher to target is to seriously study the current issue of the CHILDREN’S WRITER’S & ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET by Writer’s Market. Look for houses who publish books on topics or genre that interest you the most.

4. Go to the local bookstore and browse through current books until you find one that interests you and that you can say, “I’d like to write a book like this!”

5. Search for publishers on amazon.com. Look for certain types of books that interest you such as bedtime books or nonfiction wild animal books and see which houses are currently publishing these types of books.

6. Study the websites of various publishers that interest you until you find one that seems like it would be a match for the type of book you think you’d like to write.

For the BOOK IN A MONTH CLUB this year, I decided to target Sylvan Dell. You can choose your own publisher to target. But if you’d like to try your hand at writing a fiction story with a science theme, I invite you to target Sylvan Dell, too! Perhaps one of us will write a picture book manuscript that catches their eye.

Today’s challenge:Study various publishers and choose one to target.

Coming tomorrow:Stop by tomorrow on my blog to “meet” Catherine Ipcizade. She’s the brand new author of ‘TWAS THE DAY BEFORE ZOO DAY and she’ll share tips about how she landed the contract. Her book is published by Sylvan Dell, the very publisher I’m going to target for my manuscript this year for the Book In A Month Club!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

You’re invited to join the BOOK IN A MONTH CLUB! Each year in March one of my critique groups hosts this club as we try to write an entire book in just one month. It’s crazy…it’s zany…and it’s fun!

This year I’m planning to write a new picture book manuscript. Throughout the month of March, I’m hoping to post my progress here on the blog to help show you more about the world of writing a picture book from start to finish. You can follow along and write your book while I write mine.

So hop on board and join the fun! Better yet—get you entire critique group to agree to meet the challenge of trying to write the first draft of an entire book manuscript—in just one month! If you do, you become an official member of the club. Just let me know and I’ll explain how you can be e-mailed a logo you can add to your own blog or website and a printable certificate.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

For the very last day of my Virtual Book Tour, I’d like to extend a great big “Thank you!” to all the wonderful people who helped make it a success and who have shared such heart-felt enthusiasm for my newest picture book, D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank my great editor, Aimee Jackson. Aimee, you caught the vision for the book when I first contacted the publisher with the idea. And then you carried it all the way through to help make this book become a reality. Thanks for all your great input, your excitement for the project, and your outstanding expertise. And also—thanks for all the yummy recipes! It was fun to meet you in San Diego over the holidays.

Thank you to the amazingly talented artist and book illustrator, E. B. Lewis. E. B., you brought this manuscript to life. The paintings you created and the scenes you portrayed in the book have been simply over the top! It’s been a joy working with you and getting to be part of your world.

And thank you to Audrey Mitnick—my publicist at Sleeping Bear Press. Thanks for the great connections for stops on my tour and for all the timely advice, feedback, and suggestions you sent my way. You’re the best!

I also want to thank all the wonderful folks at Sleeping Bear Press who made this book what it is and who continue to work hard behind the scenes to bring D is for Drinking Gourd to the world. Sales, Marketing, Editorial, Design, etc.—what a great group to work with! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And to all the wonderful people who have been a part of my Virtual Book Tour—thank you! From booksellers to writers to teachers to students to my critique groups to online guests…what a wonderful journey this has been together.

And now…drumroll please…I’d like to announce the winners of the 5 prizes I’m giving away to online guests. Each time you posted a comment on my blog during the tour or submitted an answer to the Trivia Questions, your name was put in a hat. Since each name could be in the contest numerous times, one of the winners won 2 prizes! Congratulations, and thanks for joining in the fun!

Gloria won a $25 gift card!Carol won an African American history calendar!Nomi won an African American history calendar!Mrs. T. Melchiorre’s class won 2 prizes—a $25 gift card and an African American history calendar!

(Carol and Nomi, please contact me at jeffandnancys@gmail.com. E-mail me your street address so I can mail you your prize.)

Monday, February 25, 2008

Welcome back to my Virtual Book Tour! It’s been a great adventure together as we’ve celebrated the release of my newest picture book, D IS FOR DRINKING GOURD: AN AFRICAN AMERICAN ALPHABET in conjunction with Black History Month.

Today on our last official “stop” on the Virtual Book Tour, we’ll be visiting In Our Write Minds. This is the blog of the publishers of a wonderful writing program for teens called WRITESHOP. For the past few years, it’s been a delight to work with Kim Kautzer and Debbie Oldar as the author of their new soon-to-be-released writing program for early elementary students, WRITESHOP PRIMARY. Click on the link to learn more about this program, as well as how parents and teachers can use books such as D is for Drinking Gourd to help teach primary students to write.

Coming tomorrow:Join me tomorrow on the last day of my tour as I announce the winners of the 5 prizes I’m giving away to online guests who posted comments during the tour and/or submitted answers to the Trivia Questions.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

My family flew from our home near Los Angeles, California into New York City last June to begin a week-long tour of historic sites. Many stops along our itinerary included historic African American sites. The very first place we visited was the African Burial Ground. Located at African Burial Ground Way, the memorial was still under construction.

The large sign posted said:This enclosed area is a preserved part of the original AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND. Closed in 1794, African Burial Ground once covered more than five acres—about five city blocks. It is estimated that as many as 20,000 or more African men, women and children were buried in the original cemetery. Unearthed during building construction in 1991, the site is now a National Historic Landmark and within the New York City African Burial Ground and Commons Historic District. This surviving remnant of the burial ground is dedicated to the people who are buried here and to all who were enslaved n the city’s early history from 1626 until July 4, 1827, Emancipation Day in New York.

Everything seemed as if it was frozen in time. The day was quiet. It was a Sunday so there were no busy construction workers or other tourists. We had time to walk around the site…and think about America’s past…and wonder about our future…

We knew that the very ground we walked on was holy ground. Underneath our feet were memories of pain and suffering and sorrow. Yet as we looked at the memorial stones standing ready to be put in place, our hearts felt hope for the days and years ahead.

Coming tomorrow:On Monday, Day 25 of the Virtual Book Tour, we’ll make our last stop of the tour to visit the website of a wonderful program that teaches kids to write. Then we’ll finish the tour on Tuesday when I’ll announce the winners of the 5 prizes I’m giving away!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Black pharaohs in Egypt, ancient empires of gold,royal caravans to Timbuktu;R is for African Rootsand the glories that Africa once knew.-from D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet

In great cities such as Timbuktu, many people were well educated and enjoyed a wealthy lifestyle. Kings and rulers were among the wealthiest of all. They dressed in splendid clothes, wore beautiful jewelry, held fancy swords, and sometimes carried scepters made of gold.

MAKE A KING'S SCEPTERMaterials(Adult supervision required)Scissors2 paper bowls (plastic or Styrofoam do now work as well)2- or 3-foot long cardboard tube from gift wrapping paperGlueStyrofoam ball about 2 inches in diameterGold acrylic craft paint Paint brush

Use the scissors to carefully cut a hole in the bottom center of each bowl. The holes should measure the same size as the diameter of the cardboard tube. Slide the two bowls, rims facing each other, onto one end of the cardboard tube, about 1/4-inch down from the edge. Use a small amount of glue to hold them in place. Glue the rims of the bowls together. Allow to dry.

Glue the Stryofoam ball onto the cardboard tube, just above the bowls. Paint the entire scepter gold.-from A Kid's Guide to African American History

Coming tomorrow:On Day 24 of my Virtual Book Tour, I'll post photos of the African Burial Ground in New York City. My family and I visited this historic site last June, while the memorial was still under construction.

Friday, February 22, 2008

On August 28, 1963, nearly 250,000 people gathered in Washington D.C. to support civil rights and the end of segregation. This date in history became known as the March on Washington.

The most famous speech that day was “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Already an important leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King led numerous marches and crusades in support of equal rights, including the famous children’s march and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked when Rosa Parks was arrested because she refused to move to the back of the bus.

When my family and I visited Washington D.C. last June, we climbed the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and stood on the spot where Dr. King gave his historic speech. His words reached out to challenge the citizens of America to truly live by the words written in the Declaration of Independence, and to accept and believe that “all men are created equal.”

As we looked out toward the Washington Memorial from the very spot where he gave his unforgettable speech, Dr. King’s words still rang in my ears, “I have a dream…” His dream was about children playing together and holding hands and growing up together to respect each other and honor each other as fellow human beings…and his dream has become my dream, too. That is why I wrote the book, D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet.

Today, this great man in the history of our nation is honored in our nation’s capital. This is the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the rotunda. I was deeply moved when I saw it.

As we are drawing near to the end of my Virtual Book Tour, I remember a question one of the students from a classroom in Texas asked me during the tour: “What do you think was the worst thing ‘white people’ did to African Americans?” My answer was simply, “I think the worst thing is that people were not kind to other people. No matter how different someone is from you, it’s important to always be kind.” If we can just remember to be kind to one another, we can help make Dr. King’s dream a reality.

Yesterday’s Trivia Q and A:Yesterday’s question was: Who was the first African American to serve as Poet Laureate of the Library of Congress?a. Rita Doveb. Dorothy Batesc. Daniel PayneThe answer is: a. Rita Dove. In 1993, the Library of Congress appointed Rita Dove as Poet Laureate. In this honored position, among other duties, she participated in the numerous poetry and literature programs at the Library and offered advice for the Library’s collections and archive.

Coming tomorrow:Stop by on Day 23 of the Virtual Book Tour for directions for a fun craft to make. Our tour will soon be wrapping up to a close. The last day of the tour will be next Tuesday when I’ll announce the winners of the 5 prizes I’m giving away! Also, check out this link to a brand new blog, In Our Write Minds. This blog will be the last stop on my Virtual Book Tour next Monday and today they posted a "preview." Check it out!

Yesterday’s Trivia Q and A:Yesterday’s question was: Which quilt artist was famous for her two Bible quilts?a. Augusta Savageb. Alice Coachman Davisc. Harriet PowersThe answer is: c. Harriet Powers. Keeping the African tradition of storytelling alive, African American women often sewed designs on quilts that told stories. In the late 1800s, Harriet Powers stitched beautiful quilts with the heart of a storyteller. Her two most famous Bible quilts are now owned by museums.

Today’s Trivia Question:Who was the first African American to serve as Poet Laureate of the Library of Congress?a. Rita Doveb. Dorothy Batesc. Daniel PayneToday is the very last trivia question, so submit your answer by posting it as a comment to today’s blog. It won’t be published on the blog, but your name will be put in a hat to be drawn for 5 prizes to give away on Tuesday, the last day of the tour. Check back in tomorrow for the answer!

Coming tomorrow:On Day 22 of my Virtual Book Tour, we’ll be paying a special tribute in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Truly, he dedicated his life to helping bring equal rights to our nation.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Today’s stop on the tour is dedicated to the students in Mrs. Lamar’s and Mr. Sanders’ fourth grade classes at Fairmont Elementary School in Yorba Linda, California. Thanks for all the great questions you sent in for me to answer! Click on the video to find out more about what it’s like to be an author and how a book is published. After you watch the video, be sure to come to Open House tonight and drop in at the Book Fair. Stop at my table and say “Hi!” I’ll be signing copies there of my newest book, D is for Drinking Gourd!

Yesterday’s Trivia Q and A:Yesterday’s question was: What was Ida Wells Barnett known as?a. Champion ice skaterb. Princess of the pressc. Jazz singerThe answer is: b. Princess of the press. Ida Wells Barnett investigated and reported in the newspaper about the terrible things that were happening in our nation as a result of racism. Her brave stand against injustice and passion for equal rights helped bring many important changes in America.

Today’s Trivia Question:Which quilt artist was famous for her two Bible quilts?a. Augusta Savageb. Alice Coachman Davisc. Harriet PowersSubmit your answer by posting it as a comment to today’s blog. It won’t be published on the blog, but your name will be put in a hat to be drawn for 5 prizes to give away at the end of the tour. Check back in tomorrow for the answer!

Coming tomorrow:On Day 21 of my Virtual Book Tour, we’ll be visiting some of my favorite sites to learn more about African American history.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

For today’s stop on the tour, we’re making another visit to Brown Sugar & Spice. As you may already know, this online bookseller specializes in Black History books for children and families. To view the original post there of a video where I answer questions for students in Pomona Unified School District, click on this video:

Just for Kids!A lot of kids from classrooms all across the country have asked me a question: “How long have you been writing?” I think that some of you want to know the answer because you already like to write, too! And yes, I started writing when I was a kid. I liked to write poetry. I never dreamed I’d grow up to be a writer, though. I didn’t start writing for a career until after I was married and had two children. That was 22 years ago. I remember how long that was because I started writing just after my youngest son was born—and now he’s 22 years old! But I didn’t get any books published until about five years after I started to write. It took me that long to learn about all the various technical things a person needs to know to type a manuscript up and send it into a publisher.

Yesterday’s Trivia Q and A:Yesterday’s question was: Who was a famous inventor?a. Lewis Latimerb. Madam C. J. Walkerc. Lonnie Johnsond. All of the aboveThe answer is: d. All of the above. Lewis Latimer invented a better filament to be used in lightbulbs. Madam C. J. Walker invented hair product and beauty creams. And Lonnie Johnson designed an invention that kids love—the Super Soaker®!

Today’s Trivia Question:What was Ida Wells Barnett known as?a. Champion ice skaterb. Princess of the pressc. Jazz singerSubmit your answer by posting it as a comment to today’s blog. It won’t be published on the blog, but your name will be put in a hat to be drawn for 5 prizes to give away at the end of the tour. Check back in tomorrow for the answer!

Coming tomorrow:On Day 20 of my Virtual Book Tour, I’ll be posting a video that’s dedicated to the students at Fairmont Elementary School in Yorba Linda, California where my husband teaches fourth grade. Later that day, I’ll be appearing in person at their school Book Fair for a booksigning of my newest picture book, D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet. Mark your calendars and come join in the fun!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Welcome back to my Virtual Book Tour! Since February 1, we’ve been celebrating Black History Month and the release of my newest picture book D IS FOR DRINKING GOURD: AN AFRICAN AMERICAN ALPHABET BOOK. I'm glad you've stopped by to join in the fun!

Today, we're visiting the blog of Lorrie Flem. She’s the publisher of Teach Magazine, the great magazine for home-schooling families. Click on the link to read the interview about D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet!

Just for Kids!Here are some picture books on my bookshelves at home. I thought it might be fun for you to look these titles up in your school or public library or get them at a bookstore and read them, too.The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. LewisGoin’ Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissackIn the Hollow of Your Hand: Slave Lullabies, with CD, sung by Alice McGillBlack Cowboy Wild Horses by Julius LesterMasai and I by Virginia KrollPass It On: African-American Poetry for Children, selected by Wade HudsonBack Home by Gloria Jean Pinkney, illustrated by Jerry PinkneyMomma, Where are You From? By Marie BradbyMax Found Two Sticks by Brian PinkneyPink and Say by Patricia Polacco

Here’s the Top Ten list from last week. There are so many African American writers that it’s impossible to list them all, but here’s a start:

Saturday’s Trivia Q and A:Saturday’s question was: Which woman was appointed as Secretary of State in 2005 for the United States?a. Mary McLeod Bethuneb. Carol Moseley Braunc. Condoleezza RiceThe answer is: c. Condoleezza Rice. In 2001, Condoleezza Rice became the National Security Advisor, a very important position in the government of the United States. Then in 2005, she became the Secretary of State. This influential position often puts her at the side of the President and takes her all around the world.

Today’s Trivia Question:Who was a famous inventor?a. Lewis Latimerb. Madam C. J. Walkerc. Lonnie Johnsond. All of the aboveSubmit your answer by posting it as a comment to today’s blog. It won’t be published on the blog, but your name will be put in a hat to be drawn for 5 prizes to give away at the end of the tour. Check back in tomorrow for the answer!

Coming tomorrow:On day 19 of my Virtual Book Tour, we’ll be stopping by to visit Brown Sugar & Spice again. This wonderful bookseller specializes in books about Black History for children and families. A new video will be posted there where I answer questions from students in Pomona Unified School District!

Welcome to My World!

I'm so glad you stopped in for a visit! Whether you're a writer, a teacher, a homeschool parent, or just someone who loves books, I want to welcome you to my site. I hope you'll be encouraged and inspired to follow your dreams.